Midwifery Council of New Zealand – OIA

To: Official Information Act Requests

Midwifery Council of New Zealand

New Zealand

Dated today

Request under the Official Information Act 1982

Greetings,

This request is made under the Official Information Act 1982.

The purpose of this request is to obtain information relating to the Midwifery Council of New Zealand’s actions, decisions, communications, and processes during the COVID-19 response period, particularly as they relate to vaccination requirements, professional conduct expectations, workforce outcomes, and reporting of clinical concerns.

This request seeks records and process documentation only and does not assert conclusions.

Vaccination-related directives and guidance

1.1 All directives, guidance, advisories, circulars, emails, memoranda, or communications issued or received by the Midwifery Council between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2023 relating to COVID-19 vaccination, including any expectations placed on midwives regarding discussion, disclosure, or commentary about vaccination with pregnant women.

1.2 Any documents describing restrictions, cautions, or limitations placed on midwives in relation to discussing vaccination risks, benefits, adverse events, or clinical observations with clients.

Professional conduct, complaints, and reporting

2.1 All policies, procedures, or guidance relating to how reports or concerns raised by midwives or mothers regarding pregnancy outcomes, miscarriages, stillbirths, placental observations, or neonatal concerns were to be received, assessed, escalated, or recorded during the COVID-19 response period.

2.2 Aggregate data (with personal identifiers removed) showing the number of reports, notifications, or complaints received by the Council between 2020 and 2023 relating to pregnancy outcomes or vaccination concerns.

Workforce actions and registration impacts

3.1 All documents relating to suspension, cancellation, non-renewal, conditions placed on practising certificates, or other regulatory actions affecting midwives in connection with COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

3.2 Any communications with midwives regarding cessation of practice, inability to work, or loss of income arising from vaccination-related requirements.

3.3 Any documents relating to the handling of resignations, withdrawals, or changes in practising status during this period, including acceptance, rejection, or alteration of resignation documentation.

Awareness of voluntariness and legal status

4.1 All Council communications, advice, or briefing material referencing COVID-19 vaccination as voluntary, optional, or non-mandatory.

4.2 Any internal discussion or legal advice considered by the Council regarding the regulatory consequences of vaccination where it was described as voluntary.

Service capacity and public safety

5.1 Any assessments, reports, or communications held by the Council relating to impacts on maternity service capacity, availability of midwives, or continuity of care resulting from workforce reductions between 2021 and 2023.

External coordination and legal influence

6.1 All communications between the Midwifery Council and the Ministry of Health, Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, Treasury, Crown Law, or the New Zealand Law Society relating to COVID-19 vaccination, professional conduct expectations, workforce impacts, or legal risk management.

If any information is withheld, please specify the grounds relied upon under the Official Information Act 1982, including the relevant section(s) of the Act.

Please provide the requested information in electronic form.

Thank you.

By:

Tracy Lynch